Having a diabetic cat does not mean you have to stop travelling.
It does mean choosing boarding where your cat’s insulin, feeding routine and individual health needs can be managed properly.
At Hotel for Cats in Sydney, diabetic cats are welcome. We can administer insulin during their stay, and because Blakehurst Vet operates alongside the Hotel, veterinary assessment can be arranged if a health concern arises.
Quick answer: Can a diabetic cat stay in boarding?
Yes. Hotel for Cats can accommodate diabetic cats and administer insulin during their stay.
For their health, wellbeing and monitoring, diabetic guests must have their own private room and cannot share a suite with siblings.
Please tell us about your cat’s diabetes, insulin routine and feeding requirements when booking so everything can be organised before they arrive.
Diabetic injections are currently charged at $30 per day. You can see this and our other medical services on the Extras & Add-Ons page.
Why do diabetic cats need a little extra planning?
Consistency is an important part of managing feline diabetes.
Your cat may need insulin at particular times, their food intake needs to be monitored and any significant change in appetite or behaviour deserves attention.
That is why we ask owners to tell us about diabetes when booking rather than waiting until check-in.
The more information we have beforehand, the better prepared we can be to maintain your cat’s normal routine.
What should I tell Hotel for Cats before the stay?
Please give us clear information about your cat’s usual routine, including:
- The insulin they use
- The prescribed dose
- When the insulin is normally given
- What and how much they usually eat
- Any other medication they take
- Any recent changes to their diabetes treatment
- Anything your veterinarian has specifically asked you to monitor
Medication should be supplied with clear veterinary prescription and dosage instructions.
If your cat takes additional medication, our guide to cat boarding with medication explains how to prepare it for their stay.
What should I bring for a diabetic cat?
Bring enough insulin and any other medication for the full stay.
It is also sensible to bring a little extra in case your travel plans change.
Please keep medication correctly labelled and provide any equipment needed to administer it, along with clear veterinary instructions.
If your cat follows a particular diet or needs their normal food as part of their diabetes routine, you are welcome to bring their own food from home.
Why does a diabetic cat need their own suite?
Every room at Hotel for Cats is private and cats from different households are never mixed.
Cats from the same family can usually share suitable accommodation, but diabetic cats are an exception.
A diabetic guest must have their own private room and cannot share with a sibling.
This allows our team to monitor that cat individually, particularly their food intake, medication and general wellbeing.
If two cats were eating from the same bowls, it could be much harder to know exactly how much the diabetic cat had eaten.
You can explore our private rooms and suites before booking.
Does my diabetic cat still need to be vaccinated?
Yes.
Like every guest staying at Hotel for Cats, diabetic cats must be up to date with their F3 vaccination.
Proof of vaccination is required as part of our boarding requirements.
If you are unsure whether your cat’s vaccination is current, check their records before the stay or speak with your regular veterinarian. A vet check and F3 vaccination can also be arranged through Blakehurst Vet.
You can read the full health and boarding requirements in our Hotel for Cats FAQs.
What happens if my diabetic cat doesn’t eat?
Some cats eat normally as soon as they arrive, while others take a little time to settle into a new environment.
Our team monitors guests’ appetite, water intake, toileting, behaviour and general wellbeing.
For a cat receiving insulin, a significant change in appetite is particularly important. Insulin doses should not simply be altered or guessed without veterinary guidance.
If we are concerned about your cat, veterinary assessment can be arranged through Blakehurst Vet.
Our article What Happens If My Cat Gets Sick While Boarding? explains the process in more detail.
What if my cat becomes unwell during their stay?
Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet.
If we notice a concerning change in your cat’s health or behaviour, veterinary assessment can be arranged when necessary and we will contact you where appropriate.
Veterinary treatment costs are the responsibility of the owner.
Having veterinary support on the premises is particularly reassuring for cats who are older, diabetic, take medication or have an existing medical condition.
You can read more about veterinary support at Hotel for Cats.
Should my diabetic cat see their vet before boarding?
If your cat’s diabetes is stable and their treatment has not changed, an additional appointment may not necessarily be required simply because they are going into boarding.
However, if your cat has recently been diagnosed, their insulin dose is still being adjusted, their appetite has changed or they have recently been unwell, speak with your veterinarian before the stay.
You should also make sure you have enough insulin and supplies for the full booking.
A holiday for diabetic puddycats too
A medical condition does not mean your cat cannot enjoy a holiday of their own.
At Hotel for Cats, diabetic guests receive the same individual attention and private accommodation as our other puddycats, with their feeding and insulin routine incorporated into their care.
The difference is that we plan ahead, give them their own room and monitor them individually.
And with Blakehurst Vet right here on the premises, veterinary support is close at hand if something changes while you are away.
If your cat has diabetes, tell us when making the booking so we can confirm their requirements before they arrive.
Explore our rooms, check availability and book your cat’s stay.
Frequently asked questions
Can Hotel for Cats give my cat insulin?
Yes. We can administer insulin to diabetic guests. Diabetic injections are currently $30 per day.
Can my diabetic cat share a suite with my other cat?
No. Diabetic cats must have their own private room and cannot share with siblings so their feeding, medication and wellbeing can be monitored individually.
Does my diabetic cat need an F3 vaccination?
Yes. All Hotel for Cats guests must be up to date with their F3 vaccination.
Should I bring my cat’s own food?
You are welcome to bring your cat’s usual food. For a diabetic cat, maintaining their normal feeding routine can be particularly useful, so let us know exactly what and how much they normally eat.
What happens if my diabetic cat becomes unwell?
Our team monitors guests each day. If we are concerned, veterinary assessment can be arranged through Blakehurst Vet, which operates alongside Hotel for Cats.
When should I tell you my cat has diabetes?
Tell us when booking rather than waiting until check-in. This gives us time to review your cat’s insulin, feeding and accommodation requirements before they arrive.